Lower Wairaki Hut to Upper Wairaki Hut Route
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
This route follows the Wairaki River up to Upper Waitaki Hut in the headwaters of the catchment.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
From Lower Wairaki Hut, this route (not signposted) drops down to the river where a large orange triangle is seen on the other side of the river. This section is part of Te Araroa Trail. Cross the river and follow the true left of the valley for about an hour, where you will reach a track junction and a DOC sign.
Take the Lower Wairaki Hut to Upper Waitaki Hut Route and follow the true left of the river for 3 hours until you arrive at Upper Waitaki Hut.
Getting there
Access from Ohai to the Lower Wairaki Hut is only possible through Beaumont Station – permission is needed from the station owners. Phone +64 27 304 3644 (owner), or +64 22 405 2702 (manager).
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track